This salad is made with one of my favorite grains, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa), known as a super-grain because it contains all eight essential amino acids, more protein than any other grain. Quinoa is also higher in unsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates than most grains.

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced red onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups water
2 cups quinoa, rinsed
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
Black pepper

Stir together lemon juice, onion, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
Boil water in a medium saucepan and add quinoa. Reduce heat and gently simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain any excess water. Spread quinoa on a baking sheet to cool.
In a serving bowl toss together quinoa, cucumber, celery, mint, lemon juice mixture, and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.

Serves 6-8 as a side dish. Enjoy!